Ralph Alphonse Balster, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away in Mesa, Arizona at age 82 on February 11, 2022. Ralph was a resident of Arizona for the last 45 years. Born and raised on the family farm in Mercer County, Ohio with parents John and Albina (Heitkamp) Balster and his eight brothers and sisters. He went on to serve in the Army and receive his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton. Ralph worked as an electrical engineer in numerous locations across the USA, ultimately settling in AZ in 1977.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Gaylor Balster, and preceded in death by his first wife, Karen Schmidt Balster. Ralph is survived by his children Scott (Shannon) Balster, Sheryl (Michael) Sarna, Amy (Scott) Gulbranson, and preceded in death by his first son John Balster. He has 12 grandchildren: Evan, Jacob, and Annika Balster; John, Ashley, Koby, and Willow Sarna; Sarah, Benjamin, Abigail, Tilly, and Zachary Gulbranson. He is survived by his wife’s children Mark, Patricia, and William Ivanich, and preceded in death by Daniel Ivanich.
Ralph is survived by his brothers and sisters Harold (Shirley) Balster, Dennis (Beverly) Balster, Margie (Terry) Boeckman, Delbert (Beatrice) Balster, Bernice (Eugene) Liening, sister-in-law Elsie Balster, and brother-in-law Robert Kinderman. He is preceded in death by his sister Rita Kinderman, brother Werner Balster, brother Lester Balster, and sister-in-law Rae Ann Balster.
Ralph was a man of faith, had a love for engineering and technology, but will always be most remembered for his kind heart, steady hand, and his selfless unbounded love and devotion to his family and friends.
Viewing will be held at Mountain View Memorial Funeral Home, 7900 E. Main Street, Mesa, Az from 4:00 to 8:00PM on Thursday, February 17, 2022.
Mass will be celebrated at St. George Catholic Church, 300 E. 16th Avenue, Apache Junction, AZ 85119 on Friday, February 18 at 10:30AM, followed by the burial at Mountain View Memorial Gardens.
Dear Balster family,
The years when our two families intermeshed in Mesa were some of the most cherished times of our lives. Ralph was a kind, gentle, fun friend, for whom we have many fond memories. What a wonderful dad you had! God bless,
We will forever remember playing euchre with Ralph and Lois, such fun that was!
Our hearts are heavy for Lois and all the family because Ralph will be missed no doubt. He truly was a fun, gentle and kind spirited man. We love you Lois, may God give you peace that only He can give at this time and may The Holy Spirit remind you daily of all the good times and that you will be together again!
Praying for all of you to find peace in the many memories you share through these next few weeks to come.
A former neighbor & very cherished friend for 40 yrs+. Many, many times spent playing cards, sharing stories and much laughter. Ralph will be missed VERY much. He was truly one of God’s blessings in our lives. Will keep you all in our prayers that all the special memories through the years bring you comfort and peace knowing he’s truly receiving his reward and happiness for such a well lived life… Until we meet again…….
Condolences to Lois, Scott, Sheryl, Amy and all of Ralph’s family. Ralph was a very close friend, like another brother to us. He was a wonderful person and will be sorely missed. We are so sorry we cannot attend the visitation and the mass. We are having some masses said and we will be sending a donation in Ralph’s name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.